Effects & Dangers Of Snorting Oxycodone

Oxycodone (brand names Oxycontin, Percocet) is a prescription opioid medication and Schedule II controlled substance used for severe pain.

Those who require oxycodone use for pain relief may engage in opioid abuse in the form of insufflation. Those who snort oxycodone may experience increased side effects and serious dangers to their health.

Side Effects Of Snorting Oxycodone

To snort oxycodone, a person must first crush the tablet into a powder. Once in powder form and snorted, the drug reduces the activity in the central nervous system (CNS).

When snorting occurs, oxycodone enters the bloodstream more quickly than oral ingestion, creating a rush of euphoria as well as sedative side effects.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common effects associated with this form of prescription drug use include:

• constipation
• tiredness
• lightheadedness
• dry mouth
• sedation
• drowsiness
• nausea
• loss of appetite

Serious Side Effects

The more serious side effects associated with snorting oxycodone can include:

• damage to nasal passages
• fluctuations in blood pressure
• irregular menstruation in women
• mental health problems such as anxiety or depression
• withdrawal symptoms
• erectile dysfunction in men
• shallow breathing
• high risk of addiction
• fluctuations in heart rate
• increased risk of opioid overdose

Dangers Of Snorting Oxycodone

If you snort oxycodone, this form of substance abuse can create short and long-term effects. Because snorting the painkiller creates rapid ingestion, the side effects can be greater and more pronounced when abuse takes place.

When you snort oxycodone and add other CNS depressants to your system, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids, respiratory distress can occur.

Damage To Nasal Passages

Those who snort oxycodone or other similar opioids such as hydrocodone may experience damage to the nasal passages due to the harshness of the drug entering the nasal cavity. Cartilage can deteriorate, leading to frequent nosebleeds and sinus infections.

Mucous membranes may also become irritated over time because oxycodone was not designed for insufflation. Irritation can lead to a deviated septum as well as a loss of smell.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When oxycodone is snorted, the drug enters the body quickly. If you quit the drug “cold turkey” or all at once, severe withdrawal symptoms can occur.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with oxycodone can include:

• sleeping problems
• seizures
• tremors
• cravings for the drug
• changes in mood

Oxycodone Overdose

Those who participate in oxycodone abuse have an increased risk of overdose. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states some of the life-threatening side effects of an oxycodone overdose may consist of:

• respiratory depression
• loss of consciousness
• breathing problems
• clammy skin
• severe sleepiness
• death

If an oxycodone overdose is suspected, contact 911 and seek urgent medical attention immediately. Narcan (naloxone) can reverse the deadly effects of opioid overdose.

Disease

Those snorting oxycodone may use various forms of paraphernalia such as straws to inhale the drug.

Because this substance use warrants the need for potential sharp paraphernalia, there’s a risk of puncturing the inside of the nose, creating open sores.

Those who share straws or needles with others may inadvertently swap bodily fluids. This may lead to hepatitis or HIV.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one live with opioid addiction, Bedrock Recovery Center can help. At our inpatient treatment center, we offer numerous treatment options such as detox, support groups, behavioral therapy, and aftercare.

To find out if our treatment program is a good fit for yourself or a loved one, please contact us today.